Youth Xchange Initiatives

YXC E³ After-School Program

‘Ōlelo Community Media’s YXC E³ AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM is offered at our six community-based Media Service Centers throughout O‘ahu. Middle and High school aged students are welcome to enroll. Student participants receive assistance with homework, introduction to media literacy, storyboarding and storytelling, basic video production training and certification, and soft skills (resume and interviewing, etc.) training.

YXC E3 sessions convene on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and follows a trimester schedule: summer, fall and spring. For scheduling purposes, the Program’s trimester model was purposefully developed to 1) coincide with the DOE school year calendar and 2) align with the timing of our Youth Xchange initiatives: Youth Capitol Commentary, Youth Xchange Student Video Contest and Banquet, and Children and Youth Day.

Students who have graduated from the program (completed all three semesters and are certified producers) may continue a second year as an “alumni” participant. Otherwise, they are welcome to use our facilities as a client producer and/or volunteer on ‘Ōlelo facilitated projects.

Youth Xchange Statewide Student Video Contest

The YOUTH XCHANGE STATEWIDE STUDENT VIDEO CONTEST is Hawai‘i’s premiere and only statewide youth video competition open to all ages (elementary, middle, high, and college). Youth Xchange empowers youth to identify and bring critical community issues to the forefront via un-editorialized video content. Students are able to compete in sponsored and general categories such as Mini Documentary, Public Service Announcement, and Short. The video competition culminates at the annual awards banquet celebrating the achievements of the talented students and teachers.

To receive contest related announcements and updates or to inquire about becoming a school participant or a sponsor, please send us an email and LIKE our YXC E³ Facebook page.

Youth Capitol Commentary

YOUTH CAPITOL COMMENTARY is held at the State Capitol on opening day of the legislature where student video crews interview lawmakers and community members. Those interviews are then aired on our cable channels and Internet platforms. Teachers and students who are interested in participating in Youth Capitol Commentary are encouraged to email us or contact a nearby Media Service Center.

Children and Youth Day

‘Ōlelo is pleased to be part of O’ahu’s CHILDREN & YOUTH DAY celebration—a time to recognize the potential and special gifts of Hawai’i’s youth—that takes place on the first Sunday of October. With staff and volunteer crew, we cover the performances and public service announcements that originate from the Rotunda stage. More importantly, our After-School program student participants and staff offer insight into community access television and video production. All are welcome to stop by our booth to learn more about innovative media and how our youth are using media to share their stories. To learn more about Children & Youth Day please visit www.hawaiicyd.org.

For more information on any of these initiatives please email, call (808) 237-2189, or follow us on Facebook. You may also inquire directly at a nearby Media Service Center.

‘Ōlelo Community Media is an AmeriCorps Hawai’i subgrantee. To learn more about AmeriCorps visit www.AmeriCorpsHawaii.org.